While I was doing research today for a big term paper I had a small epiphany. I say small, because it seemed so obvious after the fact. Somehow though that seems to be the nature of most important insights. They appear so obvious after you realize them, but they’re still very real and very potent.
My epiphany concerned the nature of research and how if you know what you’re looking for and if you have helpful resources to help you narrow down that search (like an informed teacher) then it makes the research process so much more potent. Finally after nearly 6 years of college I’m discovering how to do some half-way decent research and it’s awesome!
One reason I wanted to share this small, but important insight is that this “research process” seems to apply to all learning endeavors. I started reflecting on the way my dharma study has proceeded, and how much of what I read, consider, and reflect on is the direct result of suggestions from people who I consider extremely competent. I’m not simply going to the bookstore and just picking any old thing (although that’s how my study started), but rather am narrowing down the focus to include very specific sources of information. As a result my practice has been enriched exponentially.
There’s something very illuminating about taking advantage of the knowledge that has been amassed by those before us. They already made serious mistakes, discovered new uncharted territory, and have left us most of that knowledge. Finding it, putting it into practice, and then enter our own uncharted territory is all part of the process of human unfoldment. How cool…
cool. my experience. a big percentage of the research process is dependent on serendipity. i mean, look at all those science papers out there. it’s like looking for an needle in a haystack! it’s being at the right place, at the right time, with the right mental apparatus to recognize that what you have before you is a treasure.
having said that, being more informed on topics and finding the right people who are well-informed on the topics is probably the best route
thank God for Google!
~C
Good work Vincent. I can really see what you mean with this one, but never identified it myself. Although, in college I never understood why people would consider plagiarism. I never understood how hard it was to find that great quote and place the sticky note in and place the book on the pile of library books with other random notes and numbers shoved inside to prove something. All so experts have now said what you are thinking. Jeez, isn’t life just a dialogue between thousands of resources and you choose what to listen to and trust. Unfortunately, we are the people who hopefully will be the future researchers, otherwise we are screwed!